Pineapple Express started serving up barbecue during the Montclair Jazz Festival’s summer of spectacular events at Lackawanna Plaza and later opening its doors during the festival’s finale at the end of September.
Now, you can enjoy Pineapple Express every Friday, Saturday and Sunday (note holiday schedule below). We are loving the low key, beer garden-inspired vibes that partners Lauren Hirschberg (chef/owner of Turtle + The Wolf) and Damon Wise created in historic Lackawanna Railroad Terminal — a casual food hall experience (there’s even a stack of board games if you are so inclined) where you order from the menu menu and then sit down (or grab drinks from the full bar serving local beer, wine, and cocktails. ) until a buzzer lets your know your order is ready. The large cavernous space with its soaring ceilings makes it easy to social distance (take over one of the picnic tables for your family and dig in to that award-winning barbecue), but Pineapple Express also has outdoor tables and heaters for those not comfortable eating indoors as well as the option to drop by for takeout.
One of our favorite things about Pineapple Express is that they offer plenty for carnivores and non-meat eaters alike. If meat is not your thing, you can feast on pumpkin ribs, rotisserie cauliflower, smoked sweet potato or fried Brussels sprouts with kimchi apples (all priced at $9) These are all delicious as sides to go with your meat, too.
About that meat — smoked heritage meats onsite over local oak and cherry woods — try the tender, melt in your mouth pulled pork, brisket and baby back ribs. There’s also smoked spicy sausage, hot honey wings or a Maine lobster roll for something different.
Wise says the weekend hours will stay the same for now, but in the new year, expect Pineapple Express to add on Thursday to their days of operation, along with some additions to the menu. Stay tuned.
Pineapple Express, 1 Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair, (973) 337-6358. Open Friday for dinner and Saturday and Sunday, lunch and dinner. Holiday hours: Closed 12/24-26. Open 12/31 at 2 p.m. (reservations available!) Open January 1 at 12 p.m. Online ordering is available for holiday pickups only.